Never Mine

The Book of Truth

One of the real reasons why I chose to be a student assistant and be assigned to the library is to be able to enjoy some peace and quiet. And the pay is quite good considering that I’ll just have to put away the books after all these privileged teens are done reading them.

I get to read some of my lessons why I cart around the aisles inside the library picking up books that have been misplaced in the wrong section, and boy believes me, they can be quite a plenty.

And since most of my time is divided between school, work, and more work here at school and at my place, this is the closest thing I have for my workout. Wheeling those bunch of books is not an easy task. It can get heavy and dragging as I reach the last aisles of bookcases in this massive library.

Another thing to like about working in a library? I get access to all the books I need for school. Who knew university books can be too expensive. Working here in the library gives me access to those expensive books that seem to be too impractical to buy with the meager salary that I have from Sucos.

The only downside of working in such a huge library is that I get to see a lot of students making out at the far less-traveled corners of the library.

It was just an ordinary day. I was taking my time while picking up the books stacked around the aisles when I saw a familiar face close to the corner of the third aisle to the far-end wall of the library, close to the dead end as I call it.

It was Reed.

I started to slowly pull my cart away. I already had too much of him yesterday. He was wearing his basketball jersey.

Just when I was about to turn around, I heard his voice calling me from behind as his footsteps drew close to where I was standing.

“Hey! Elara!” He shouted but still a whisper.

Of course, I had to turn around. I obviously didn’t want him to call my name again. I wanted to stay on the good side of the librarian. She might end up cutting my privileges in taking home books more than what is allowed. I definitely could not risk that.

“What are you doing here?” He looked at my car and answered his own question. “Oh, you work here?”

“Yeah, in between my classes.” I tried to keep my voice as low as possible even if the librarian was around 20 aisles away from where we stood.”

“Wow, and you still have time to work for Sucos. Do you ever rest?” He was obviously trying to start a conversation. I was not buying it.

“I need the money so I make time.” It was the simplest and coldest line I could come up with.

“So you have a schedule later at work?” He was walking alongside my cart as I continued to pick up scattered books on the shelves.

“Yeah, same as yesterday.” I didn’t have to add that extra information but he works there too so he might already be aware of my schedule.

“Great, I’d be seeing you later then.” It was obvious that he was about to say something else. My guess was as good as anyone.

“Do you need a ride?” Of course, I had to ask him. Silly me. Here’s to not involving myself with anyone this year. Typical Elara going against her promises.

“Really? Are you sure?” Why does he have to act as if this was not his intention all along? “I’ll chip in with the gas once our salary arrives.” He added.

“Head to the parking lot by 4 pm, I do not want to be late,” I told him as I was about to reach the corner of the aisle, where I saw him first standing.

“Sure, I will be there.” It was his response. The alarm on his watch suddenly beeped. He was quick to turn it off before anyone noticed. “Oh, shoot, I need to go. I’ll be late for my class. Where did I get this?” He asked himself as he looked at the book that he was holding then at the bookcases.

I gave out my hand to get the book from him. “Go, I’ll bring it back for you.” It was my job after all. Of course, I kept that second sentence to myself.

“Thanks, Elara, I’ll see you later.” I slightly turned my head to see him go.

I checked the book that I took from him. What was he reading?

“Lupine,” I whispered, reading the print on the book cover. Curious, I opened a few pages and saw what looked like a bestiary, but exclusive to werewolves

The book was bound in old leather. It seemed too old and was definitely not the same as the other older books here in the library.

I tried to look for the library card at the back of the book but it wasn’t there. My guess was right. This book doesn’t belong here. In fact, it looks more like an heirloom rather than a reference book which was most of the books here in the library.

Maybe he gave me the wrong book. I shrugged it out. I tucked the book inside the pocket of my jacket. Maybe I will end up reading it later. While I wait for him at the parking lot.

The truth is, my class, ends at 3 pm in the afternoon. I was planning to go home and rest a bit or catch up on some laundry before I head to work. But since I was going against my goals for this year for being nice with Reed, I would have to wait for Reed at the parking lot so I could give him a ride to work.

--

“Well hello Mr. Stawarski, thank you for gracing our class with your presence.” Professor Brosnan can really be such a bully. If he only knew who I was.

“Sorry, Sir. I got caught up reading in the library.” That was true. I was reading and was trying to leave our ancestor’s book for Elara to read. I am very certain she will end up reading the book later as she waits for him in the parking lot.

“Wow, this is a unique excuse, the first time I have heard of such in my class.” Brosnan didn’t have enough yet. “Come on class, let’s give Mr. Stawarski a round of applause for his very, very unique excuse.”

Of course, my classmates had no choice but to clap. They wouldn’t risk being on the bad side or Professor Brosnan. He had already made his mark on me. They would rather sacrifice me to Brosnan for the whole semester than be bullied every day in history class.

“Go on, seat, and have a more convincing excuse for me next time, Mr. Stawarski.” He waved his hand to me to get out of his sight like I was some kind of mosquito.

I really can’t wait to get out of college. A few more contempts like this and I might end up transforming in fury. Brosnan’s throat might end up in between my teeth.

I tried to listen to his lesson but my attention was elsewhere. Looking at my watch from time to time, I wondered about Elara and what she was doing.

I could not help it, I need to know.

Bowing my head a bit so I would look like I was reading rather than sleeping I focused my senses. I might have been with Elara for a few hours yesterday but her scent was already too familiar for me. Even his heartbeat was too familiar too as if I already knew how it beats even before meeting her. It was a clear indication that she was indeed my destiny.

She was still inside the library. I could smell the mix of sweat, old paper, and thread around her scent. She had the book with her, that I was certain. I could smell the old leather that bound our book, an heirloom that was given from one Alpha leader to the other.

Elara needs to read it. Be aware of her roots, of what she was. It was less than a week now. I could sense the wolf spirit in her starting to boil, it is so close to breaking free. It is the history of their kind. It was the Book of Truth for wolves like him, like Elara.